Guilin launches probe into low-cost tour

Guilin authorities have announced a crackdown on travel agencies implicated in a recent online controversy involving a suspiciously cheap tour package.

The move comes after a video posted on Douyin, a popular Chinese social media platform, sparked widespread concern.

The video, uploaded on July 12 by a man from Haikou, Hainan province, showed his mother insisting on participating in a four-day, three-night tour to Guilin for a mere 40 yuan ($5.50) — a price that included meals and accommodation. Despite warnings from her son about the tour's legitimacy, she insisted it was a subsidized trip and embarked on the journey.

She was ordered off the bus by the tour guide on Monday after the video went viral online and told to go home.

An investigation by Guilin's bureau of culture, radio, television and tourism, in collaboration with the city's market supervision bureau, revealed that Hainan Baijun International Travel Agency organized the tour, with Guilin Meihao International Travel acting as the local partner. Both agencies are suspected of offering unreasonably low-cost tours, while their tour guides, surnamed Li and Huang, are accused of misleading tourists through false advertising and high-pressure sales tactics. Such actions constitute a violation of China's Tourism Law.

Guilin's average tour price over the past three years has been around 1,100 yuan, making the advertised price in the video a significant red flag. Authorities have summoned representatives from the two travel agencies and a number of shops for questioning.

"Such incidents, while less frequent than before, damage Guilin's reputation as a premier tourist destination," said Tang Hongling, a member of the Guilin Tourist Attractions Association.

"Our city prides itself on offering exceptional experiences, from the scenic Lijiang River cruise to the renowned Impression Liu Sanjie show. We are committed to maintaining high-quality tourism standards and providing exceptional service to both domestic and international visitors."

Tang emphasized the association's dedication to promoting ethical and honest practices in Guilin's tourism industry and solidifying its position as a world-class tourist destination.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Chinese authorities in regulating the tourism industry. While the crackdown demonstrates a proactive approach, it also underscores the importance of tourist awareness in identifying and avoiding suspiciously cheap travel packages.